Former Rams coach Mike Martz is withdrawing as a possible candidate for the Raiders' head-coaching position, according to reports. Martz personally initiated contact with Raiders senior personnel man Michael Lombardi on Jan. 19, requesting an interview, then interviewed for about two hours with the Raiders in Alameda on Thursday.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch and ESPN.com reported Martz's decision Saturday. ESPN.com did not cite any sources and said that Martz was talking with the Lions about becoming their offensive coordinator. The Post-Dispatch, citing "sources close to Martz," said Martz, 54, enjoyed his interview with Raiders owner Al Davis but that the Oakland situation "just didn't feel right" to Martz.

Martz was the fourth candidate to formally interview for the team's vacancy.

Earlier this month, Davis said he would rule out the former Rams coach because of health concerns. St. Louis was 2-3 this season when Martz was sidelined with an infection of the heart lining. He was fired at the end of the season.